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Google’s Acquisition of Bump Aimed at Apple

Google’s Acquisition of Bump Technologies

The Google-Apple tensions just got a little more heated with Google’s acquisition of Bump Technologies, a company best known for its 3D interface for Windows and Mac computers.  While many of the 3D desktop features would make stunning improvements to the Android mobile operating system, it is BumpTop’s repertoire of multi-touch gestures that will draw Apple’s attention.

Apple already has Google in its sights with its patent infringement lawsuit against HTC, the smartphone manufacturer with a myriad of Android phones, including Google’s flagship device, the Nexus One. Apple has cited at least ten patents that HTC allegedly violates, while the Taiwan-based company has brushed off the allegations, and Google has stated they will stand firm.

The Bump Top interface functions more like a real desk than traditional desktop environments, allowing the user to have desktop walls where they can attach notes and photos and organize files into stacks.  Some of the multi-touch features include current Apple and Google technologies, such as the pinch and zoom, as well as unique features like the ability to navigate around the 3D desktop, stack files, and fan out documents with finger swipes.

Bump Top announced that their 3D interface will no longer be available for sale, but they will allow users to download it for free over the course of the week.  As for the future of the technology, it could eventually form part of the Android operating system code, which is free and open source.

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I am a librarian with 8 years of experience in information architecture, technology, free and open source software, and electronic publishing. I have written hundreds of articles on topics ranging from information technology to politics. I also write fiction novels, short stories, and fables.

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